S’pore Authorities Will Be Clamping Down On Illegal Betting During World Cup Period

While many football fans are excited over the upcoming World Cup and supporting their football stars, others use it as a gambling opportunity.

And so, the Singapore authorities are doing their best to prevent illegal gambling from taking place during the tournament period, from 20 November 2022 to 18 December 2022.

S’pore Authorities Will Be Clamping Down On Illegal Betting During World Cup Period

In a joint media statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) stressed that individuals should exercise personal responsibility when gambling.

They also emphasised that the police would clamp down on those who do so illegally.

According to the Gambling Control Act, all gambling activities are prohibited unless they are licensed, class-licensed or exempted.

So if you want to try your luck to be a millionaire, Singapore Pools is the only licensed place you can go.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority has since blocked about 1,200 remote gambling sites and S$33 million in payments linked to remote gambling services. 250 bank accounts were also frozen.

On 17 July 2022, 24 men and five women between the ages of 32 and 75 were arrested for their suspected involvement in providing illegal remote gambling services.

Measures to Help the Public 

The authorities will also educate the public on gambling problems. It will focus on illegal betting and warn the public about the risks of gambling.

The National Council on Problem Gambling will start a campaign to “caution the public on the harm of excessive football betting”.

A video will be screened before and after World Cup matches to highlight the issue.

Advertisements will also be put up on both online and physical platforms. Balloon clappers and hand fans featuring messages discouraging illegal betting will also be given at places that show live telecasts of the World Cup.

Penalties if Caught Gambling Illegally 

Those who are convicted of illegal gambling, can face jail time of up to seven years and up to S$500,000 fine.

If caught repeatedly, they can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to S$700,000.

Those who are found to have placed bets with an unlicensed service provider can be jailed for up to six months and/or fined up to $10,000.

If you are struggling with gambling problems, you can request for anonymous e-counselling via the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1800-6-668-668 or via Webchat at www.ncpg.org.sg.

Don’t play play ah. 

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